OBX 4-EVER

I can't believe our annual beach trip has come and gone. As usual, the week in the Outer Banks was so wonderful with lots of great sun, great weather, great food, and really great company. We traveled with my family and our second-family, the Thomases. Here are a thousand pictures because I just can't edit:
Tate's first year at the beach couldn't have been better (oh, wait...). In spite of a tragedy early on, this little tot is a bona fide water-lover, which couldn't make me any happier. This picture best illustrates T at the beach: him running away from us (usually toward the water), laughing in his glee, and one of us making sure he doesn't drown.
The "younger generation" adults at the most delicious Blue Point while Grandmas and Grandpas watched the youngest generation.
We spent a lot of time at the kiddie pool -- it's kind of hilarious to think about how my beach lifestyle has changed over the years. Never would I have commented on a kiddie pool before, that's for sure!

Felix loving the sand toys, but not so enamored with the water...
Summer and angel-baby Christian
You know these guys!
Is this the cutest picture ever?! Tate loves Grandpa and Grandpa loves Tate. They talk to each other in crazy gibberish, both thinking that it's the funniest thing ever. Jenny and I decided that Dale and Tate are quite alike. As she put it, "Enthusiastic and low-to-the-ground!"
A little fitness time in the back yard area.
Lots of boys sporting their Brazil pride (and Dad pretending he's tall.)
Ring around the Rosie with Collin and Bree -- Tate thought it was hil-ar-ious; after everyone sat down, he would dive head-first on to the carpet.
And, my birthday! It was the last day at the beach. Matt, T, and I were already there getting ready for the Beach Olympics and then everyone came down the boardwalk waving balloons and singing! My mom made yummy birthday muffins (and my request of strawberry pie later) and I felt very celebrated. Thanks, everyone!